He denies two more serious allegations of sexual activity with her. He admitted he was not a 'man of honour', but believed he was “well grounded” despite his income from football and sponsorship deals, the jury heard.

He told Sunderland Football Club of his arrest for sexual activity with the girl and admitted kissing her passionately to Margaret Byrne, chief executive at the club, but continued to play.

Johnson, 28, entered no plea at Peterlee Magistrates Court even though he 'knew on that day that he had seriously wronged the teenager after his arrest in March of last year', the judge said in his summing up.

Footballer Adam Johnson arrives at Bradford Crown Court where he is accused of sexual activity with a child (Photo: PA)

Johnson denied this delay was to keep on earning his lucrative wages, and said he was 'just following legal advice', but added that he did no think signing the Sex Offender’s Register would end his career.

“He agreed that his not guilty pleas allowed her to be seen as a liar, but said he cannot control the fans”, Judge Rose said.

Johnson admitted being sexually attracted to his victim as soon as he saw her outside of the Stadium of Light after matches early in 2014, Judge Rose added in summing up to the jury. She was 14 years old at that time.

The jury retired to consider their verdicts just before midday. Johnson is supported by former partner Stacey Flounders, 26, his father David, 55, and sister Faye, 23, in court.